Greater Johannesburg is South Africa's largest and most vibrant city and includes the former municipalities of Midrand, Randburg, Bedfordview and Sandton. It is a region that was built on gold. Gold had been found in the area as far back as 1853 but it was not until 1886 that anyone realized just how big the gold reserves were. By 1889 Greater Johannesburg had grown into a rowdy frontier town full of brothels, beer halls and gambling dens. In that year alone more than 630000 ounces were recovered from the reef. A visit to Gold Reef City Theme Park, a reconstructed gold mining village built around Crown Mines no.14 shaft, will give the visitor some idea of life in the region in the late 19th Century, and a trip can be taken underground down the mine shaft.
To the North of central Johannesburg lies Sandton City, a vast complex of hotels, shopping malls and banks all under one roof. This is, without doubt, the finest shopping complex in Africa and one of the world's finest shopping malls, with over 250 stores and shops gathered together under one roof. Sandton has become the new business centre of Greater Johannesburg as most of the big institutions have moved out of the old Johannesburg CBD. Sandton also boasts four nature reserves, two bird sanctuaries and five river trails. Entertainment in the area includes the Montecasino Leisure Complex in Fourways.
By far the fastest growing town within Greater Johannesburg is Midrand, once known as Halfway House. Midrand is situated just to the North of the N1 highway that circles Johannesburg and is bordered by Centurion in the North. Because of its position halfway between Johannesburg and Pretoria, Midrand has become the most attractive area for industrial and commercial development, and Africa's largest mall is planned to be built there in the near future. The whole of the rural area around Midrand is devoted to equestrian pursuits and there is a Lippizaner showground arena with regular shows of these famous horses. In the Kyalami suburb of Midrand is the famous motor racing circuit where regular meetings are held. There are bird sanctuaries in the suburbs of Glen Austin and Beaulieu. There are two film production studios on the Old Pretoria Road in Midrand.
The number of tourist attractions in Greater Johannesburg are too numerous to list all of them, and can be seen suburb by suburb. There are several live theatres including the large new Johannesburg Civic Theatre, numerous cinemas, helicopter trips, the Johannesburg Zoo, theme parks, craft markets galore, such as the Rosebank African Craft Market and flea markets in several different parts of Greater Johannesburg, including the Bruma Flea Market near Bedfordview. There are the Botanical Gardens, Nature Reserves like the one at Lone Hill, the mini town at Santarama, the Turffontein Race Course near Rosettenville, several bird sanctuaries and nature reserves, ice skating, musical fountains and a planetarium. There is sailing on the Emmerentia Dam, hiking on the Braamfontein Spruit or the Wilds, 4x4 and quad trails, horse trails and numerous museums, such as Museum Africa in the Newtown district. While you're in the area you might as well drop into the SAB World Of Beer. Johannesburg also houses many art galleries, including the Johannesburg Art Gallery in Joubert Park.
If you are visiting Johannesburg over the Easter holidays, then don't miss the excitement of the Rand Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Nasrec.
History and military buffs will enjoy a visit to the SA Museum of Military History in Saxonwald, near the zoo. And if old trains and trams are your thing, then you must see the collection of old public vehicles at the James Hall Museum of Transport, located beside the racetrack.
Greater Johannesburg is a city built on the earnings and expectations of gold. The people are fast go-getters, it is a city bursting with energy and with the whole world to offer the visitor. It is a city that cannot be bypassed.
33 on First Guesthouse is situated a stone's throw from the Bohemian suburb of Melville's famous 7th Street with its vibe atmosphere, pavement cafes, cozy restaurants, antique/vintage stores and cocktail clubs, we are in the perfect location to explore Jo
The Apartment is a double story self catering fully equipped with linen and towels. It can sleep 4 persons. Downstairs it boasts an open plan kitchen - equipped with dishwasher, microwave, fridge opening on to the dining room area, a bathroom ...
Nestled in the leafy suburb of Forest Town, in a quiet and secure cul-de-sac with 24 hour security guards. Friendly and warm comfort offered by Annie and Chris Challis - this is your home away from home.
The bedrooms are spacious, beautifully furnished and each has a bathroom en-suite, DStv, under-floor heating, fans and easy access to tea/coffee facilities. The restaurant offers and excellent quality of home cooked meals. Full English breakfast ...
Homestay Travel Guesthouse provides both bed and breakfast accommodation and self catering accommodation in Roodepoort in Gauteng's Greater Johannesburg area. Located in the quiet suburb of Little Falls this bed and breakfast is conveniently situated clos
Marle' Lodge has 11 double en-suite rooms all beautifully finished in matching African theme. Two of the rooms have an inter-leading door to cater for families who wish to stay together. All rooms have 53 cm colour TVs with dstv. Five of...
Kingstone is a Self Catering Flat set in a quite cul de sac at 7 Adam Tasman Place, Constantia Kloof, Florida, West Rand, Gauteng, South Africa.
Rivonia Premier Lodge is strategically located in Sandton, north of Johannesburg, with easy access to major highways. Situated in a quiet cul-de-sac with a large rambling garden. Guests can relax on the pool deck and enjoy a swim...
Acacia House Executive Suite is an exclusive private suite, comprising accommodation for a single business professional or a couple. Situated in Kelvin, a peaceful boomed suburb of Sandton, Acacia House is close to Sandton...
The Oasis Boutique Hotel (owned by Grayham and Anita Beazley) offers travellers the opportunity to relax and unwind in safety and style. The Oasis Signature Hotel visitors 11 luxurious rooms in which to relax and unwind. Located near ...
Set in the tranquility of the enclosed and secured equestrian estate, Beaulieu, Midrand. Upmarket, attractive accommodation at reasonable prices. Designed for the corporate and equestrian markets, but suitable also for private use, our comfortable...
Forest Town Guest Cottages situated in Forest Town in Johannesburg. These attractively and comfortably furnished villas are self-contained, separate and private, 1- and 2-bedroom villas to suit families, the business traveller and tourists.
Modern Luxury Self Catering Suite in Olivedale (Non Smoking) with:Separate Entrance. Smoking Section Outside Secure High Wall with Safe Parking. In Safe Boomed off Area. Marble and wooden floors. Combined Lounge Kitchen with Full DSTV (including ..
Hoopoe Haven Guest House offers secure, affordable three star Bed and Breakfast and AA highly recommended self-catering cottages and luxury tented camps near Fourways.
Hoopoe Haven situated in beautiful Chartwell, Gauteng. It is a place to relax and unwind in the peace and quiet of the countryside. There's variety of self-catering accommodation available to suite groups from 1 person to 50.
House on York offers elegant, well-designed en-suite rooms, individually decorated with style and comfort in mind. It is set in Kensington South, within walking distance of beautiful antique shops and quaint little coffee shops...
Set in the tranquility of the enclosed & secured equestrian estate of Beaulieu, Midrand, is 'The Paddocks'. An up-market, two bedroom, self-catering cottage at affordable prices. Peace and tranquility as well as magnificent views...
Ninety North guest house, in Johannesburg's Northern suburbs, is a haven of tranquillity in this hectic, busy city. Ferndale is a quiet residential area and Ninety North has an established garden.
7th Street Guesthouse and Conference Venue is a 4 star graded by TGCSA, with 13 luxury en suite rooms equipped with DSTV, Wifi internet access, heaters, hairdryers, fans, digital safes, coffee/tea facilities and bar fridges stocked with compliment...
Nestled in the heart of Northern Johannesburg in the tree lined suburb of Fontainebleau you will find the enchanted Guest House "Willow Rock". This bed and breakfast is located just 8 km from Sandton City Mall and 9.7 km from Montecasino, Willow Rock Gues